Men urged to get free prostate cancer check at Lions Club event

Former mayor of Reading Cllr Tony Jones getting tested at last year's event

Men over the age of 50 are being urged to attend The Lions Club of Reading's free prostate cancer check event.

The group of volunteers are inviting men to their fourth annual event at Circle Hospital in Drake Way, Reading on Thursday, March 10.

Those who attend will be able to get a free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test which takes just three minutes.

Lions Club of Reading, which aims to promote health and well being, states that there are around 40,000 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed each year and 40 cases have been detected at previous events.

The event will run from 4.30pm to 9.30pm and Lions Club of Reading says people should allow 30 minutes for registration and a PSA test.

Everyone who attends will be asked to bring a copy of their previous test results letters and people who have attended previous events may be fast tracked.

There is very little available parking at the Circle Hospital but there will be free parking at the Madejski Stadium and a shuttle bus running to and from the hospital.

However, people who are already experiencing symptoms should see their GP as soon as possible.

Dr Johan Zylstra said: "It’s so much more common for my male patients to put a brave face on something that could turn out to be really serious.

"You should visit your GP if you spot the following signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, including needing to pee more frequently, especially at night, difficulty starting to pee, straining to pee or taking a long time to finish, blood in pee and pain when peeing or during sex.

"It’s also important to help yourself by making healthier lifestyle choices."